With school about to be out for the summer, the Caetani Cultural Centre is launching its third annual Summer Music Series with some up-and-coming acts.
On June 26 from 2-4 p.m., singer-musician Shaughnessy Rose along with two local bands, Armonia and //AMISTAD//, take the outdoor stage on the historic grounds of the Caetani house.
Music series coordinator Andrew Mercer, lead singer-guitarist with local band Cod Gone Wild, knows all too well the importance of highlighting youth performers. He started his first professional band when he was 17 and still in high school.
“These young acts are the future of music in the region and let me tell you, it looks pretty bright,” he said. “It was an easy choice to highlight some of these great acts in our opening music series event.”
Rose is a 16-year-old drummer, guitarist and singer who performs at numerous charity events as well as private functions as both a solo artist, and more recently, with other professional musicians.
With her velvety, soulful yet powerful voice, Rose takes her inspiration from such bluesy artists as Adele, Amy Winehouse and Etta James.
“She can belt out a good rock rendition when necessary as well as mesmerize her audience with Edith Piaf and Elvis classics,” said Mercer.
Rose often appears as a guest player at all-ages events with Vernon classic rock band The Goods and is currently the voice of B.C. Fresh Talent Quest 2016.
She was also the Shuswap Idol for 2015.
Rose released her debut album, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, this past Christmas.
Armonia, featuring guitarist Landon Colvin, 15, pianist Nathan Allen, 16, drummer Zachary Noseworthy, 18, and vocalist/bassist Justin Moore, 16, are all friends who have a passion for music.
They have been together for more than a year and share a connection both on and off the stage. Their style is a mix of indie/alternative rock with an influence of pop.
Five-piece alternative rock band //AMISTAD continues to shake heads with its epic sound and impressive songwriting.
Lead singer Aidan Andrews formed the band with the twin brother rhythm section of Nolan and Carson Bassett back in 2010, with guitarist Eli Garlick and keyboardist Craig Matterson joining later.
Unsatisfied to churn out simple three-minute rock standards, band members challenged their craft by hiking to new songwriting heights and attacking each live show with relentless energy.
They surprised many music fans and critics with the release of their 2015 album LEE, showcasing their creative wall of sound, moody harmonies and the breakthrough track Year.
The band is doing the same with its newly released EP, Talk Peace To A Wolf, which has so far received a positive reception and numerous downloads of singles Radikal and Human.
The latter song has just been made into a video, shot on location in Vernon, thanks to a grant from Telus Storyhive, and will soon be available to view.
The Caetani Summer Music Series continues on the last Sunday of every month.
“Each music series event will feature talented musical acts from the Okanagan and this year, the series has expanded to feature some amazing touring acts visiting the region as well,” said Mercer.
Scheduled is Brent Tyler and Jory Kinjo, of Calgary, July 31; San Diego’s Sister Speak, Aug. 28, and local act Cod Cold Wild and the Okanagan Celtic Choir Sept. 25.
All concerts run from 2 to 4 p.m.
A special Friday evening event, Bluegrass on the Grass, featuring band Canadian Whitewater, will take place July 22 at 7 p.m.
All Caetani music series events are family friendly and concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, folding chairs, and even a picnic to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of music. A selection of refreshments will be available for purchase and Anna’s Sweets and Treats will also be on site.
Admission (with the exception of July 22) is by donation (recommended $10 for adults and $5 for students and children). Proceeds will go to the artists and to capital projects and program development at the Caetani Cultural Centre.
Parking is not available at the centre. Patrons will have to park in designated areas and walk to the property. Due to construction on Pleasant Valley Road, patrons are also encouraged to use the back gate at the Caetani property to enter the events.